Introduction
The nursing profession has significantly improved its ethical values, performance, and professionalism over the last several decades. According to Saleh (2018), one of the ways to succeed in nursing is to properly implement practice, research, and theory. This relationship is based on developing various skills and knowledge to promote effective decisions and reduce errors. However, some theory-practice gaps cannot be avoided despite the intention to create a positive working environment.
I define travel nurses as one of such gaps in my current practice. I believe more training and the increase of available reminders on theories can bridge the gap between theory and practice. In addition, integrating specific languages through extensive reading and weekly updates may be helpful. In this discussion, attention will be paid to travel nursing as the central theory-practice gap and the solutions to this problem through training and education.
Main Body
Multiple theory-practice gaps emerge in current practice, and the task of any advanced practice nurse (APN) is to deal with these problems. Practice is essential for identifying interesting questions and areas of improvement, research is necessary for building knowledge, and theory defines the most appropriate methods (Saleh, 2018). Leadership insufficiency, lack of communication, and poor proficiency in communication are examples of gaps.
Relying on my experience, I think that travel nurses and healthcare providers introduce a severe gap within the system. These skilled experts need to take temporary positions to cover nursing shortages in different care facilities, and the number of such employees will increase by 40% in 2021 (Odom-Forren, 2022).
Still, it is not always possible to manage the rush and obligations in this practice, and APNs cannot obtain a high-level education and training during their travels. When they visit a new place, nurses investigate the required activities and patient care specifics but miss an opportunity to examine nursing theories. In other words, the theory-practice gap in travel nursing exists due to the nature of their work and the inability to spend much time on training and research.
Almost any problem in nursing might have a sound solution if practitioners recognize it and take some steps to change a situation. In my current and future practice, I would recommend bridging the gap through additional training during the orientation and reminders on theories in common areas like charting computers, staff break rooms, or even supply closets.
On the one hand, brief training courses can help APNs quickly learn critical theories in an appropriate context (Shoghi et al., 2019). These courses should not be extensive or include some assessments or tests. It is enough to allow nurses to recall critical theoretical aspects and understand how to apply them in a particular setting. On the other hand, if nurses cannot spend much time on training, simple reminders might help. The more illustrative material is available in routine places, the more opportunities nurses get to improve their theoretical background.
In my nursing practice, I should continue integrating specific languages of theory. For example, I can read daily journals to discover the latest news and research findings in the most exciting fields. Another approach to improve my nursing literacy is to visit websites like the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) to identify recent updates and recommendations. Many AACN experts regularly share their opinions about collaboration, ethical issues, and policies in nursing. These methods of gathering information are free and not time-consuming, depending on my schedule and personal desire.
Conclusion
Identifying theory-practice gaps in nursing is an essential step in my education and professional growth. I should understand that some problems exist even in the most prepared environments and know how to improve a situation and achieve positive results. My current and future practice depends on how well I can integrate practice, research, and theory and sufficiently develop my skills and knowledge.
References
Odom-Forren, J. (2022). Travel nursing: Price gouging or supply and demand? Journal of Peri Anesthesia Nursing, 37(2), 153–154. Web.
Saleh, U. S. (2018). Theory guided practice in nursing. Journal of Nursing Research and Practice, 2(1), 18. Web.
Shoghi, M., Sajadi, M., Oskuie, F., Dehnad, A., & Borimnejad, L. (2019). Strategies for bridging the theory-practice gap from the perspective of nursing experts. Heliyon, 5(9). Web.